1500 Trailer Hitches

[StrongEagle]

Is anyone able to tell me anything about the hitch attached to this motorcycle? I've not been able to find much about it.

OK - I've figured out it's a Markland... no longer made. Now, I can't find specs. Max tongue weight, max trailer weight, etc.

Thank you.

[newday777]

Yes that is an early Markland hitch. Is that on your wing?
The later Markland hitch went to a removable stinger like I had on my 99.

As to the ratings, I don't know their actual ratings.
I do know they will handle a 500 lb loaded trailer with no problem.
What do you want to tow with it?

[StrongEagle]

I was contemplating buying this motorcycle until I discovered it had a rebuilt title. Now, rebuilt is better than salvage, and, the owner was unable to tell me why the bike had a rebuilt title and could only say that it "rides fine".

As for the hitch, my intention is to attach a mounting plate so that I can carry a hard case golf bag vertically in behind the fender and trunk. Put some lights on the bag, plug it into the trailer wiring harness and I'm good to go!

I appreciate the information about the hitch.

[newday777]

That will carry your bag and clubs fine.

[Mh434]

Depending on what insurance systems are like in your area, the "rebuilt" title MAY not be anything to worry about, particularly in full-fairing bikes like the 'Wing.

Case in point - my previous bike was a Kawasaki Concours 1000. I had a crash when a deer leaped out of the bush (no shoulder on the road - just pavement/bush), across the road in the air, taking me off the bike. The bike never faulted - just kept going down the road. Until it went into a gully, when the road bent & the bike went straight.

Long story short, the only damage to the bike was the fairing. If I hadn't been hospitalized, I could have ridden it home. Nonetheless, the cost of fairing replacement ($7,500, at full, Canadian, retail cost) was more than the bike was valued at. I "bought" the bike back from the insurance company, purchased an entire, brand new fairing from RoyAyers.com in the US, and had it shipped to my door in Canada, for under $3,000 CDN, taxes, shipping, etc. all-in (well below the bike's insurance company's stated value!).

I replaced the fairing & the bike was the best it had been since the original showroom floor. It still carried a "rebuilt" status from then on, even though only cosmetic repairs were ever required.

Therein lies the downside of our lovely, all-encompassing bodywork. Even an inconsequential, cosmetics-only repair can push them to a "rebuilt" status.

[StrongEagle]

Depending on what insurance systems are like in your area, the "rebuilt" title MAY not be anything to worry about, particularly in full-fairing bikes like the 'Wing.

Case in point - my previous bike was a Kawasaki Concours 1000. I had a crash when a deer leaped out of the bush (no shoulder on the road - just pavement/bush), across the road in the air, taking me off the bike. The bike never faulted - just kept going down the road. Until it went into a gully, when the road bent & the bike went straight.

Long story short, the only damage to the bike was the fairing. If I hadn't been hospitalized, I could have ridden it home. Nonetheless, the cost of fairing replacement ($7,500, at full, Canadian, retail cost) was more than the bike was valued at. I "bought" the bike back from the insurance company, purchased an entire, brand new fairing from RoyAyers.com in the US, and had it shipped to my door in Canada, for under $3,000 CDN, taxes, shipping, etc. all-in (well below the bike's insurance company's stated value!).

I replaced the fairing & the bike was the best it had been since the original showroom floor. It still carried a "rebuilt" status from then on, even though only cosmetic repairs were ever required.

Therein lies the downside of our lovely, all-encompassing bodywork. Even an inconsequential, cosmetics-only repair can push them to a "rebuilt" status.

Your comments caused me to write to Geico, my insurer, and they responded that yes, they do insure both salvage and rebuilt title bikes. So, I may have to rethink this bike again.

However, it's also pretty clear that people tend to shy away from non clear title bikes as this bike has been on the market for a while. There would have to be a deep discount in there somewhere for me to consider it. Worth a call, however. I appreciate your story... revealed an aspect of a "rebuilt" that I had not previously considered.